At the start of each year I look back and reflect on all the blessings God has bestowed on me during the previous year.
Here are my Top 9 highlights for 2009
1. Losing 20+ pounds.
I have tried possibly all the simple diets are there but nothing stuck. There is simply no shortcuts to losing (and maintaining loss) weight. I started by counting calories (a technique which I learned from Wowie). I coupled it with Yoga and HipHop Abs. I then started to walk everyday. I wanted to be more active so I started to run which brings me to highlight number 2.
this is me...NOT...i'm not this thin yet 🙂
2. I discovered a sport which I have learned to love, RUNNING.
Not that I did not like any of my previous sport but I am passionately addicted to running. It gives me the serenity of golf, the thrill of firing and the excitement of badminton. A perfect match to running would be Yoga, another activity which I enjoy immensely. Having running hard cores Tiffin (Tita) and Mark (Tito) Parco as my inspiration really encouraged me to push harder. In addition, I discovered a Takbo.ph, a community of runners which promotes active running in the Philippines. The members of this community helped me enjoy the sport more. I can truly say that they are my running family 🙂
my Takbo.ph family
3. New job challenges.
I know…it sounds cliche but I really LOVE what I do. I love being challenged, creating new projects, working with people on a project from conceptualization to implementation.
me likey...
4. Chito’s improvement
My youngest son, Chito, was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Delay, part of the Autism spectrum. I enrolled him in Shine Intervention Center hoping that early intervention would eventually improve his condition. With God’s blessings, he drastically improved. Currently, he can (sort of) communicate with us. He socializes more often now and he follows instructions. His cognitive skills are continuously improving. I am amazed that he can read books for 8 year olds, he even scans and reads bits and pieces of my Women’s Health mags. Adorable!
Chito reading daddy's book...History of the Armed Forces of the Filipino People
5. Discovering photography
I have always wanted to take beautiful pictures of my surroundings but I never found the time nor the patience. My brother gave me a Nikon D60 as an advanced birthday present and I immediately enrolled in Jo Avila’s Basic Photography course. The experience was amazing. Taking beautiful pictures of my environment and my family are priceless 🙂
blue reflections
6. Lola Lydia
My husband’s maternal grandmother, Lola Lydia passed away mid-2009. However, I got to spend quality time with her during her last few months alive. She was the one who encouraged me to walk every evening in the compound. I would look forward to chatting with her after my exercise. She tells great stories of her family’s history. We chat about anything under the sun. I was glad I got to spend time with her when she was still with us.
we miss you Lola!
7. Trip to Brazil
Although not one of the most pleasant (30+ hours travel just to get there), it was truly one of the most memorable trips I have had. Partly because I will probably not be going back there anytime soon. The travel was just too long and too tiring. The sites and the company were great though. Traveled to Sao Paolo, Rio de Janeiro and Iguassu where I saw (and experienced) the Iguassu Falls, it was beautiful. It was a rainy trip so we didn’t have a chance to fully experience the beach life in Ipanema and Copacobana. And of course, Havaianas shopping! I must’ve bought almost 30 pairs! Kept only 4 pairs though and gave away the rest.
really bloated me by the Christ the Redeemer
8. 2009 New Year with my extended family (maternal)
End of 2008 was one of the busiest months (if not the busiest) of my life. I organized 2 weddings (December), my sister’s wedding and my Grandparents’ 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary. My relatives from Canada and the US all came home. I had almost 3 weeks off from work but it felt like a extended work week with daily overtime. Haha! For New Year’s 2009, we all stayed in Astoria Suite booking six 3-bedroom suites. What a riot! It was so much fun though. Tiring but fun.
(ooops, can’t find any photos of this event but I do have wedding pics but this happened Dec 2008…oh well)
matron of honor for Claire's wedding
9. Ben’s Graduation
My 12-year old son graduated from primary school (grade school). He’s now in his 1st year high school. Wow! I really feel old na 🙂 Before I know it, he’ll be introducing me to some girl who he’s dating…OH NO!!! (happy thoughts…shields up for negative thoughts)
Ben's Graduation
I look forward to a great 2010. Thank you Lord for a wonderful 2009! 🙂
After months of promoting the race, I was excited to partake in this event. My youngest son Chito studies in Shine Intervention, a school in Kapitolyo specializing in educating children with special needs.
Since Shine was one of the prime supporters of the Let it Shine Foundation, Chito’s school was naturally turned into a channel to market Race & Shine, a fundraising event to raise funds for the foundation.
Let it Shine Foundation is one of the few groups setting up research for the creation and sustainability of VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS for individuals with autism to provide them the equal opportunity to work and earn. The foundation created a research team to evaluate which jobs are best suitable for individuals with autism. This research will hopefully lead to the creation of a variety of therapy programs that will develop the skills necessary for them to work independently. Information from this research will be shared to all schools and centers that cater to individuals with Autism. For more information, please contact the foundation at 218-2362/ 0920-9244282 or email shine.foundation@gmail.com. More Information on our foundation may be found on: http://www.facebook.com/pages/LET-IT-SHINE-FOUNDATION/128336142230.
As soon as I found out about the race, I immediately spread the news to family and friends. I wanted to make sure the event would be a successful one as I believe in the cause that the event was supporting.
Registration
After helping friends to register, I realized that I haven’t registered myself and my family! With the race just 6 days away, on the morning of the Pacquiao-Cotto fight, I immediately took the kids to Libis to register in All Terra, Club 650. I chose to the 3k relay so Chito and Ben can run as well. I was pleasantly surprised to have received great quality singlets for this race. Too bad they didn’t have extra, extra small for Chito. That would have been really cute J
Race Day
Chito had a bout of cough and Noy felt that we shouldn’t push through with the run L After convincing him that our baby will be fine, we started to get ready. Our 3k relay would start at 7am. We were just leaving the house at 645am. Crap! We’re late again! I really hate being late during races. I lose all motivation to finish strong. Then again, this was about the boys running their first race not about me beating my PR. I had planned to let Ben run the 1st km, Chito with daddy the next and I would finish the remaining 1k. When we got to the venue, the race hasn’t started yet (Relief!)
waiting for the race to start
3k relay here we come!
Chito was starting to become anxy, he actually wanted to cross the starting line, away from the crowd, as soon as we got to the venue. Thankfully the host started to prepare the 3k runner after about 15mins or so of waiting.
8,9,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 and off we go!
run chito run!
I decided to let Chito and daddy start the relay run, since my little one has very little patience. It was a good call as we found ourselves running with his favorite teachers. Chito sprinted the 1st 50m but decided to walk when he found himself amidst a sea of runners (more of a pond of runners J). He then was cajoled into continuing his run but after 200m, he decided he had enough and sat in the middle of the road. Good thing Teacher Jaybee was there and he helped motivate Chito to continue his run/walk pace until the finish line. I took tons of pictures of Chito and Daddy while walking under the warm sun. After about 900m (was wearing my trusty Garmin J), we finally saw the finish line but Chito was growing tired, he wanted daddy to carry him. Noy instead ran ahead and pushed Chito to run towards the finish. I must say, he’s a natural. Hand in hand, my beloved Chito and Daddy Noy crossed the finish line marking my baby’s 1st road race.
i will be a future hardcore runner 🙂 (mommy wishes)
i'm tired!
finally! the finish line!
i finished my part 🙂
Now it was my 12 year old’s turn. I decided to join him for his part of the relay. I still remember the 1st time Ben ran with me and Noy. We convinced him to join us for a short run to Greenhills from home. If he can run/walk 5k, 1k shouldn’t be hard for him. I was right. He just breezed through it with sprinting pace.
My share of the relay race was uneventful. I was photographed close up by FPS and I looked bloated. Not my best picture. Noy tried to take a picture of me as I crossed the finish line but he was about to just take a millisec video. Oh well, again…it wasn’t about me.
I saw a few running peers supporting the race, Sam (the running Ninja), Sir Mon of Happy Feet, Roselle (the Running Diva). Thank you so much for being there! J
We capped off the morning by driving thru Mcdonald’s and grabbing breakfast. The free breakfast was not enough for my 2 growing boys (Daddy and Ben).
happiness! 🙂
I look forward to another race with my family.
Keep running! No barriers…
I was looking forward to running the annual RUNNEX 10k Executive Classic due to the persistent build up of Mark P (http://marksvo2.wordpress.com/). Before registering, I was informed by a RUNNEX member that the race was postponed to next year. Here’s their announcement:
“In order to provide the running community with better quality races, the Executive Runners Club of the Philippines (RUNNEX) will focus, starting next year, on just two major annual running events. These are: the Quezon City International Marathon to be held every second Sunday of December and the 10K Executive Classic to be held every last Sunday of February. Accordingly, the December 20, 2009 10K Executive Classic will now be reset to February 28, 2010 to adjust to the new schedule of races.
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With the new race schedules we will have more time and opportunity to enhance the quality of our running events. See you next year for a better 10K Executive Classic and a bigger and more exciting Quezon City International Marathon.”
The QCIM was one of the most organized race I have ever joined. Plus it was my 1st 10k. Truly unforgettable indeed. I can’t wait for the next one!
As for the RUNNEX 10k exec class, postponement is good for me. More time to train 🙂 Yahoo!
No barriers…
Pre-race
November 8, Sunday, marked the day of the Philippine International Marathon, the largest organized race in the Philippines. I was due to run a full marathon. Yes, a full marathon…relay (gotcha! ). As part of Team Logan, we were to take turns pushing Justin Logan from the starting line to the finish line. It will be Justin’s 1st full marathon and we are all excited for him.
I teamed up with Timmy (the makulit….hahaha!!!), to take relay point 12 (km24) which happened to be in the corner of EDSA and Pioneer (Robinson’s Pioneer). We were scheduled to be there by 715am, the approximate time Justine will be arriving with his mom Michelle and the Takbo support team. Since the singlets were still not with us, we were supposed to don our Takbo.ph singlets. I am a meticulous runner. I make sure that I prepare everything the night before to ensure that everything (except the race) is not on rush pace. While dressing up, I noticed that the Takbo singlet I prepared was my hubby’s. I desperately looked all over the room for my singlet but couldn’t find it. Timmy then texted me saying that Craig (Justin’s dad) was running faster than usual and he is expected earlier than scheduled. Panicked, I rummage for my next favorite running shirt, my iamninoy jersey. Noy and I hurried to leave.
We made it to the meeting place at 645am. Timmy arrived 8mins later. As we were waiting for the Team Logan to arrive, we saw friends who joined the full marathon, Running Diva Roselle with pacer Coach John, Sam the Running Ninja, Prince, Bald Runner etc. I was getting really excited to start our share of the relay.
Finally we saw the sizeable Team Logan approaching us. Our race begins.
Race proper
Pioneer street was a mostly uphills although the start was a steep incline downwards from EDSA to Legend Hotel. Timmy took hold of pushing Justin’s ride while I kept an eye on Justin to see if he was comfortable, if he needed anything or if we needed to slow down. Dhenz ran with us to ensure that Justin is safe from any vehicular traffic. It was a short, fast run for us before we handed Justin over to Pepsi and Marky. By this time I really needed to go to the little girl’s room. Since no establishments in the area seemed to be open, I pushed to run with the team down to Canley road and right to C5. Along C5, a nice guard let me use their building’s toilet. Finally, I am able to concentrate on enjoying my run.
Rushing to catch up with my team, I saw fellow runner, Mikko running for Team Lopa, along the C5 bridge. It was probably 830-9am by the time we reached Fort Bonifacio. The sun was emitting scorching heat. I was thinking if I should just let hubby pick me up in Fort as running in this intense heat was not my cup of tea. Then I remembered Carina telling me to meet them at the Buendia Takbo.ph aid station. With the help of Pepsi and Marky, I decided to push on.
Running through Fort and up the Kalayaan flyover was uneventful. I remembered that I used to be intimidated by this 2k uphill-downhill stretch but I guess I was thinking more of the heat than the course. When we got to Buendia, I decided to run on the sidewalk as it provided a bit of shade. Finally making it to the Takbo.ph aid station, we were greeted by loud cheers from the support team. I couldn’t recall everyone who was there. I could remember Luis holding pompoms (was that him), Carina, Gerard, someone handing me a banana. My memory fails me when I am this close to having a heatstroke. Pepsi poured water on my head and back to relieve me of the searing temperature. This was it…I made it to the aid station so what’s next? Do I push ahead or do I wait for hubby to pick me up? My thought balloon: Roxas was only a few kilometers away. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to run a few more kms. Okidoki then, I sent an SMS to hubby to tell him to pick me up at the Quirino Grandstand. This was it…bring it on…
Enjoying Makati
I never appreciated the stretched of Buendia as much as I did that morning. It was one of the most pleasant road runs I have experienced. Buendia was lined with trees. The road was well-maintained. My lower ex appreciated the run on the asphalt ground. There were very few vehicles crossing. It was a very pleasant experience. Almost surreal to seeing one of Makati’s busiest streets almost empty.
About halfway through the Buendia side of Makati, I saw Roselle and Coach John. Roselle’s lower extremities were cramping big time. I offered to stretch her legs to relieve the pain. I haven’t practiced my course since doing volunteer work back in 1997. As soon as I passed the Physical Therapy licensure exam, I concentrated on building a family and a life for my, back then-only child, Ben. But I guess when it’s needed, what they taught me during my 5 years stint in Rehab Sciences all came back to me. I used the contract-relax method of stretching to Roselle and it worked wonders. She was up and about in no time. As I promised the Diva, while pushing her to run her 1st FM, if ever she runs her 1st FM I will do 2 things for her…1. Lend her my Garmin 2. Be one of her support personnel. I now have the opportunity to do both 🙂
A Dilemma
Running along side Roselle, Coach John, Pepsi and Mark, we were now able to cross South Superhighway. A different scene welcomed us. There were no km markers, no direction signage, no aid station, no marshals and there were tons of vehicles on the road. Sensing pollution on the air, I felt that my waterloo was nearing. I was tired, parched, sunburnt…the heat emanating from the cemented road and the sun above plus vehicles buzzing their way through heavy traffic made me think if I should just quit. Besides, I did my part of the race, I said to myself. However, not the type to break promises, I trudged on as I was determined to see Roselle through her 1st FM.
A Run along Roxas Blvd
Finally! After running through traffic, getting almost hit by a CRV, not knowing where to go…we made it to Roxas Blvd. It should be a better run from hence onwards. The sun was high and the heat intensified. I always thought that running along Roxas would be pleasant. With the bay beside you, trees along the blvd, you would think that it would be an easy run. Not with this heat. Oh well…a few more kms to go.
The Finish
After passing Museo Pambata, Philippine Navy HQ, US Embassy…we were finally nearing our destination! We were all tired but we told Roselle that it’s important for her to finish strong. So even with blisters between my toes and tired legs, I pushed myself to run as to encourage our dearest Diva to finish strong.
Roselle finished her 1st Full Marathon in 5:27 if I am not mistaken. This marked the longest run I have ever done in my lifetime…19km. Not bad. Enough to know that I can go for my 1st half mary soon.
Congratulations to Justin and Roselle for their 1st Full Marathon!
 
No barriers…
Registration:
No frills event. I woke up early as I wanted to be part of the 1st 100 who will be allowed to avail themselves of the 50% discount on the miAdidas shoes. Hubby and I went to Greenbelt with kids in tow. There was no line but they were taking forever to provide me the reg forms and accept my payment. It took me half an hour for the whole process. It seems forever if you have a screaming and hyper four-year old demanding for a toy. We were probably the 1st 20 who registered for KOTR that day.
Race Kit Claiming:
 Whoever attended the 1st day of the race kit claiming during the 1st Adidas Expo would know that it was a total disaster. ‘Nuf said.
 (PS Since the organizers gave me the wrong singlet size – Men’s Large, I had to go to their office and claim another size – Women’s Medium and they dutifully replaced it without any hassle.)
 Race Proper:
 Before the race
Noy and I were having second thoughts in joining the race. I was actually worried that it won’t be a pleasant experience just as what happened during the race kit claiming. However, being the addicted runners we are, we just cannot refuse a good morning run.
 We arrived 30 minutes earlier than expected as we though that the 10k gun time was at 530am but it was actually 6am. Great! Enough time to head to the toilet for a pre-race pee break. Three minutes to gun time, I started to feel the need to head back to the little girl’s room I decided against it as I knew that I would not be able to start on time. A marketing exec from Adidas was saying that this is by far the biggest race with over 7,800 registered racers. I wanted to tell her that this is due to the fab singlet they had. The crowd didn’t look 7k+.
 The regret
Countdown…5,4,3,2,1 and away we go. The start of any race is always exhilarating. I promised hubby that I would wait for him as I knew that a PR was not at all possible as there was no timing chip to measure accurate results and we started at the far end of the 10k racers.
 About 1km out, I had to really a major leak. (Regret! I should’ve done that before the start of the race!) I ran towards McDonald’s and did my deed. I was then left with a dilemma…should I wait for Noy who was in line or should I just run ahead? I decided to wait for him as I promised to stay with him all through out the race. On the Kalayaan flyover, I stopped to take photos of hubby on top of the flyover. The view was great! It was actually my 1st time to take this route as I am a new 10ker.
Noy enjoying the start of the flyover
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Buendia, the sun was fast rising and it was getting really hot. I was parched and took frequent sips from my hydration flasks.
 Enjoying the run, I completely forgot about hubby (oh no…what happened to my promise?) I then slowed down to wait for him.
 Running back to Fort, we were side by side. Noy then decided to slow down and let me run ahead. The rising sun was hurting my eyes as I didn’t don my sunglasses. Drat! After the steep climb back on Kalayaan flyover, I saw fellow Happy Feet runner Vimz. I decided to run with her while chatting about life in the running world.
 There was a bit of a commotion that happened along the intersection of near Chowking. A Toyota Hiace van forced its way through traffic enforcers endangering the runners passing by. An obese Asian-looking passenger stepped down from the van and started screaming at the traffic cops and BGC security men. He was pointing his fingers and cussing at them. How rude! Tsk, tsk! I wanted to take a picture of him and post it on my site. If I was part of the traffic team, I would’ve slapped him a fine and a huge ticket.
 The finish
The finish was anti-climactic. Unlike the QCIM, there was a long line by the finish line. You literally had to stop due to the volume of people.
We hanged out with Takbo.ph peeps, Lala, Shel, Mark, Que, Doc Pinks for a quick photo off then off to hoe we go.
 Giveways
Gatorade, bananas and a finisher’s certificate were given.
 Race results
Almost 2 weeks after race, results have not been announced yet.
Rating: 6/10
Pros:
- Route was good. Challenging but pleasant.
- Bananas a plenty. Hydration was not a problem.
- Singlet was really nice.
Cons: Please improve!
- Race claiming was a DISASTER. Need I say more? This is like 2 thumbs down.
- No race results yet. (A big why?)
- Few portalets.
QCIM 10k
The New Balance Power Run was to be my 1st 10k race. I was a nervous wreck Friday before the race. However, Ondoy came to town Saturday and the race was postponed. What was suppose to be my 1st 10k race turned into a 12k trek-in-chest deep-water day saving my Lolo from his flooded house.
God must’ve liked what I did as he blessed hubby and I with free 10k registration for the QCIM c/o the Nike Running Clinic 🙂 Yehey! I will finally run my much anticipated 1st 10k race!
Since the QCIM had timing chips, I wasn’t worried about being late. However, being the OC person that I am, I still nagged Noy to hit the sack early so he can get up earlier than usual to do his 2x No. 2s.
Surprisingly, Noy woke up earlier than I did so he can eat a little something before preparing for the race. After all his rituals, we finally left the house still early at 5:05 and arrived at the venue at 5:18. This never happened before. Both of us were worried about parking but again we were surprised to find ample parking spaces quite near he starting line plus access to portalets that had really short lines. We made it in time to start the race very close to gun time. I was then thinking that God wants me to know that it’ll be ok and that He made sure that we will have fun during our 1st 10k 🙂
Noy and I ran with Tracy, a fellow Takbo.ph peep, and her friend. Monster Tracy was pacing us so we ended running faster than I had anticipated. Noy got left behind even before we hit UP. I realized that the organizers changed the route. Instead of going inside UP, we were to run through Commonwealth Ave. I pass QC Circle and Commonwealth Ave almost everyday as I work along Commonwealth. Thought balloon: “I am actually running in the middle of Elliptical Ave AND Commonwealth…wow! This is soooo cool!!!”
Twenty mins into the race, I told Tracy to go ahead as I could see that she wanted to push further. I decided to keep my pace at 6:45. I saw Pepsi and Shel running with Craig and Justin Logan. Ran alongside Gerard for a time while chatting about how cool it was to run along Commonwealth. Then I saw Quennie and decided to run with her. Quennie wanted to run an easy pace of 7:00 to 7:30 which is perfect for me. We were chatting about the course which was suppose to be FLAT. It turned out to be challenging as it had multiple inclines. But it was manageable.
At the halfway point U-turn, we were surprised to see that there was no receiving mat for the timing chip. This means that any runner who decides to be a cheatah by making a U earlier than the halfway mark, can actually get away with it.
Heading back to QC Circle, we saw running couple Mark and Tiffin (Tito and Tita to me :)), hubby Noy and tons of runner friends. After 10 mins, running monster Tito Mark, zoomed passed us. After a while, Tita Tiff followed suit. I found out after the race that they were actually late for the gun start. Imagine, late na nga and they still managed to catch up with us! What a couple!
Km 8, I was surprised that I could still actually run. I took a few walk breaks so I can drink from my flasks but I didn’t feel tired and sore at all. Yes! I knew then that I can still finish strong. I decided to pick up the pace and run a bit faster.
At the QC Circle, after North Avenue, I was looking straight ahead anticipating to see the finish line but it was nowhere in sight. I knew I was approaching the end of the race as my Garmin indicated that I was 400m to 10k but where is the finish line? I then saw Lorie and Chelly and decided to catch up with them, slowed down my pace as we chatted a bit and then it hit me…I saw a huge sign saying “ALL RUNNER (left arrow)”. Oh wow, I realized that I made a mistake of assuming that the finish line would be the same as the starting line. I gave Lorie and Chelly the traditional “push, push” chant and I sprinted to finish my 1st 10k! Time in my Garmin: 1:09:48. I realized that I started it a few seconds after crossing the starting line as my chip time was 1:10:04.
I was ecstatic! I finished the race without any blisters, no dizziness, no soreness and no shortness of breath. I was thrilled! Finally my 1st 10k 🙂
The finish line wasn’t cramped. Runners were funneled into a small round about ending to a wide open space by the QC Monument. This was a great move by the organizers. Maynilad gave away free drinking water and again, short lines. There were free bottles of 100plus and even free granola bars plus a finisher certificate. Again, short lines. I LOVE this race!
After the race, I hanged out with friends from Takbo.ph to take pictures and to congratulate everyone for a great race. I heard that pacers Neil, Running Diva Roselle, Dennis and Carina did a great job! Kudos to them. Argo ran a half mary even with a recent bout of Typhoid, Luis did a sub-2 on his 21k, Cess ran her 1st 21k, Tracy finished a strong 1:04, Pepsi broke her PR. I am most especially proud of hubby Noy, who finished his 1st 10k also. He vowed to only run one 10k race since they were giving out medals (New Balance) but it seems like this is the start of his 10k running addiction.
Noy QCIM 10k
I said a short prayer after the race thanking God for giving me all the right signs, providing me and hubby with the energy and will to finish this race.
Rating: 9/10
Pros
1. Singlets and race kits were immediately released upon registration.
2. Route was fairly straightforward and not at all cramped.
3. Use of a timing chip.
4. Ample parking, ample portalets.
5. Freebies for 10k, 21k and 42k runners.
6. Quick race results release.
Cons
1. No receiving mat for timing chip on U-turn point. Runners can actually cheat by cutting short their run.
2. I heard that some hydration stations ran out of water.
To my next 10k, future half mary and beyond….
No barriers…
Individuals with Autism vary widely in abilities, intelligence and behaviors. Although most of them require some form of assistance or supervision throughout their lives, some interventions have made it possible for others to develop the skills they need to live independently.
The LET IT SHINE FOUNDATION aims to generate funds for the creation and sustainability of VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS for individuals with autism. A research team has been formed to create a variety of therapy programs that will develop the skills necessary for individuals with Autism to work independently. This information will be shared to schools and centers that cater to individuals with Autism.
One form of raising funds was to organize a fun run for this cause. Proceeds will go to the foundation.
I would like to invite you to support the upcoming RACE AND SHINE (Creating Opportunities for Adults with Autism) Fun Run on November 21, Saturday. Venue will be at The Bonifacio Global City.
Distances:
5k, 10k and 15k
3k relay run (1k/runner)
All distances will start at 530am while the relay starts at 7am.
Fees:
P500/runner (any category)
P1,000/team (relay)
Registration area: ROX Bonifacio High Street
I was so looking forward for this race. The singlet was very nice, the reg fee was cheap at P200, Takbo.ph was a major partner turned organizer for this event and it will be held in McKinley Hill, should be a challenging course.
I woke up before the alarm clock went off at 430am. I wanted to leave the house at 515am as I knew that parking would be a problem. However, Noy is as usual very slow and had to do Number 2 twice. Sigh…We left the house at 525am instead. Still a good time as the gun start will be at 6am.
Upon reaching Lawton Ave., I already saw 21k runners, I was so excited. My last race was the Kenny Urbanite and that was more than a month ago. Upon reaching Mckinley Hill, the guard instructed us to make a U-Turn so we can park in the multi-level parking. However, Noy and I hesitated to make a U as there were runners on the opposite lane. I couldn’t bear the thought of stressing these runners out by forcing in our vehicle. We waited for the crowd to thin and probably lost 8mins. We finally made a U and were able to find our way to the parking area. Ken was already waiting for us in McDonald’s. Since it was his 1st race, he opted to wait for us instead of proceeding to the starting line. I was already dead worried that we would be late. While I was helping Ken with his bib, Noy suddenly disappeared again. He went to look for another toilet so he could do his Number 2 for the 3rd time. Sigh…sigh…sigh. By the time we reached the starting line, no one was there. The marshals were prompting us to push forward. Due to the confusion, I didn’t check the clock for my starting time, I also was not able to reset my Garmin even if I was able to start the timer. Another sigh…
Off we go…Ken and Noy went ahead as I was warming up. Finally, I was ready. I put on my race face, my earphones and cranked up the volume of my MP3 player. I wheezed pass Noy and Ken. I could hear Noy telling Ken…”ayun na…there she goes”. I pushed hard. My pace was at the range of 4-5/km. I wanted to push through the crowd of walkers so I can concentrate on my uphill climb. Maneuvering through the crowd was a bit difficult. We were at the tailend so most were already walking and occupying the whole lane. I had to say excuse me more than a dozen times while weaving through the crowd.
Since it was a short 5k run, I didn’t bring my hydration belt. I didn’t want to be laughed at by Tito Mark 🙂 Big mistake though, the 1st water station ran out of drinking water 😦 To think I slowed down and stopped to fill my cup with invisible water. No one mentioned that there was no more water until I asked. Oh well…move along…
I finally slowed down as I got to the bottom of Upper Mckinley as I did not want to waste my energy. Trudging up Mckinley Hill felt tolerable. The training done along St. Martin’s Hills really paid off. Upon reaching Lawton Ave., I already needed a drink (more of a sip). I recalled that there was a water station along Lawton as I saw earlier during the drive to the event. Knowing that there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel (water, water, water), I relaxed my pace and enjoyed the easy run. I knew that whatever I do, I wouldn’t beat my PR any way. We were probably 7mins late. I saw Lorie, Shelly and some people from Happy Feet.
Finally, the water station…After taking 3 sips, I felt rejuvenated. I picked up my pace again until I hit the U-Turn. I saw Ken and Noy and screamed a GO GO chant to them. Well, my energy was zapped again after that 🙂 Haha!
Easy run back to McKinley Hill…I found myself along the downhill slope 400m from the finish line. I decided to experiment and use the technique that Ziggy taught us. Hey, cool…it worked! Pace was at 3:32/km! Wow…
Finally sighting the curve near the finish line, I began to sprint. Push, push…I kept on thinking. I could hear someone shouting my name…dang…that ruined my concentration. I turned to see who the culprit was. It was Tito Mark 🙂 I smiled and waved at him and sprinted again to the finish line. He did take a really cool picture of me though 😉
Gail sprinting to the finish line
Noy also sprinting towards the finish line
I did not know my time 😦 I could only guess it to be 32-34mins based on an estimate. I even forgot to spot the timer of my Garmin. Shucks! Note to self: no matter how high tech your gadget is, if you don’t know how to work it, it’ll never be helpful.
After the race, Noy and I volunteered to help Que in guiding runners to their specific lanes. It was a cool job as I have a close up view of the happy and contented faces of people finishing the race.
Done with volunteering, we hanged out with Takbo.ph peeps, took pics and finally said our goodbyes. It was a great day indeed.
Gail with hardcore runners...Tiffin and Jinoe
September 17, Thursday. I was looking forward to attend the 2nd session of the Mizuno Run Clinic. Amidst of a usual hectic day in the office, I was doing a roll call on who would be attending the event. Ken, check. Noy, his usual maybe and I sent a an SMS to Tracy who I promised to remind about the event. She instead managed to convince me to join the LIEMPORUN instead. I was curious about this TEMPO Run turned LIEMPO Run so I decided to skip the clinic and join this instead.
The meeting place was in McDonald’s Pearl Drive. I decided to drive home 1st to pick up the driver so I wouldn’t need to find parking for the car. And, in case I get tired, I can just have him pick me up instead of running back to Pearl Drive 🙂 I wasn’t sure how far the Takbo.ph peeps would be running and I didn’t want to ruin their fun by not being able to keep pace with them.
I found Pio, Shelly and Coach Mar seated in Mcdo waiting for the others to arrive. Luis aka Gingerbreakman, Gerard and a bunch of people also joined us after their warm up. Lorie, Tracy, Rico, Bong also arrived. Ken arrived late so we had to leave him as it was getting pretty late. We promised to meet up in Tiendesitas, the 1st pit stop. We started to run around the campus of UA&P as a warm up and headed to Tektite, Antel and right to Julia Vargas. Mind you, this was at 7pm Thursday so we were in the middle of rush hour traffic. I am a very obedient pedestrian. I do not Jaywalk and I always make sure that I am walking on a designated sidewalk if any. However, I completely turn into a different person when running. I found myself with the group running alongside vehicles, on the other side of the pedestrian barriers. Nice…pollution galore 🙂 One thing I also notice, traffic enforcers and vehicles are a bit more accommodating to runners. For one, they don’t care if you jaywalk. They even make you pass without blaring their horns at you. Probably because we cross the street faster than pedestrians who cross leisurely.
Running along J. Vargas was surprisingly a pleasant experience. I was a bit concerned with the distance between Pearl Drive and Tiendesitas and the pace of the team. But thankfully, both were tolerable.
In Tiendesitas, we had our bathroom break while waiting for Carol. Noy also dropped by…yes just dropped by as he was too tired to run. I as already having too much fun to mind that he wasn’t coming along again. Ken already decided to just go home instead of meeting up in Tiende. After taking a few pictures and doing a bit of stretching, Carol arrives and off we go. Luis directed us to Lanuza so we can train uphills in St. Martin Hills. I’ve been wanting to conquer St. Martin Hills but never had the opportunity to do so. I wanted to see if I can handle it and how fast I can do it. St. Martin Hills is an incline of about 500m found beside ULTRA and near St. Paul Pasig. This will be our training ground.
Lap 1, my test climb. When I used to train for uphills, I would always want to finish it at the fastest pace in order to shorten the torture. But I realized that doing this actually spends most of your energy and you won’t have enough to finish the run. So I used a technique I read in RW….when running uphills, try to straighten the horizon by leaning forward, bending your knees so that your center of gravity is closer to the ground and slowly trudge and conquer the slope. Slowly, but surely. This is what I did, but I added a bit push to it as I knew I would have time to rest anyway.
Lap 2, a much easier climb. I knew what to expect so I was mentally prepared for this one. Still exhausted when I hit the top but the recovery was better.
Lap 3, felt a bit tired but still manageable. This was our last lap.
Bong and Coach Mar taught us a technique in going downhill. Keep your legs straight so your entire body absorbs the impact and not just your lower extremities. We tried that a bit but I didn’t want to push it much as I know that you’re actually more prone to side stitches when going downhill and this is my major problem when running. Another longer uphill climb was the road along St. Paul Pasig. This time, I joined Shelly, Lorie and Coach Mar in walking leisurely as I was on the phone with Noy. He promised to pick me up after our run.
I started to pick up my pace when we hit Meralco Avenue making a U-Turn under the Flyover and heading towards Tektite and Antel. Since I knew where I was going and we were all going to end up in the same place any way, I picked up my pace, turned on my MP3 and ran, ran, ran. After hitting the end of the street behind Antel, I decided to look back and was panicky when I realized that no one from my team was behind me. Oh no…I might have left them 😦 This is a cardinal rule amongst runners (well for me, it is)…leave no one behind. I felt awful. So I headed back to Benpres hoping to see them. Finlly, I saw Rico. The group decided to wait for the others to cross before heading back to Pearl Drive. I guess I was too enthusiastic to run that I didn’t notice they stopped.
We arrived at our destination…CHIGGY’S. This is the reason why they call it Liempo run. We get to reward ourselves by having Liempo dinner after the run. Since I was still learning how to use my Garmin FR305, I wasn’t able to measure our distance. Fortunately, Luis was able to. Our total mileage was 10.5km! My 1st 10km run! 🙂 It was an indeed surprisingly, unexpectedly wonderful run!
Thank you Luis for pushing us hard and thank you for my LIEMPORunning buddies for an awesome evening! Now to work on hitting 15k 😉
Luis congratulating me for my 1st 10k Run
Short distance LSD?
I would like to join a half marathon.
This is what I say when people ask me about my short term goals when it comes to running. Running, for me, is a long-term affair. It starts slow and when you get hooked, you cannot get enough of it.
I have been wanting to join my running peers on what they call an LSD (Long Slow Distance). But I always chicken out at the very last minute. Most of their LSD’s are a minimum of 20k and the farthest I have gone was 10k. I believe it takes patience, determination, strong legs and lungs to be able to run farther than 10k. Proper gear would also be ideal.
1. Wear comfortable clothes. It will be a LONG run so comfort should be your number 1 priority.
2. Chafing is a personal problem of mine, even if I’m just running a short 3k. Use products like Body Glide to avoid this.
3. Make sure you’re properly hydrated 48 hours before your LSD schedule. A hydration belt would come in handy. Fill it with your favorite sports drink. Sometimes, water might not be enough to replenish lost fluid and minerals.
4. Run with a group. I notice that some even have  a support vehicle to meet them in certain pit stops.
5. Plan your route. It helps you internalize and manage your expectations.
6. And last….have fun! 🙂
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